How to Develop NDIS Goals for Your Child

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a vital support system for children with disabilities in Australia. One of the most crucial aspects of the NDIS is setting goals for your child. These goals guide the supports and services your child will receive, helping them to achieve their full potential. In this blog post, we will explore how to develop effective NDIS goals for your child, ensuring they are both meaningful and achievable.

Understanding NDIS Goals

NDIS goals are the aspirations you have for your child, focusing on what they want to achieve with the help of NDIS supports and services. These goals can range from improving daily living skills to participating in community activities or achieving educational milestones. Setting clear and well-defined goals is a key part of the NDIS planning process, as it helps to tailor the supports and services to your child’s specific needs.

The Importance of Goal Setting

Setting goals is not just a bureaucratic requirement; it is a fundamental part of the NDIS planning process. Goals provide direction and purpose, helping to focus efforts on what is most important for your child’s development. They also serve as a benchmark to measure progress, allowing you to see how far your child has come and what adjustments might be needed along the way.

Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

When developing NDIS goals, it is beneficial to think in terms of both short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals are those that can be achieved within a relatively short period, such as six months to a year. These goals often focus on immediate needs and skills development. Long-term goals, on the other hand, are broader and more aspirational, looking at what you hope your child will achieve over several years.

For example, a short-term goal might be for your child to learn to dress independently, while a long-term goal could be for them to gain employment in a field they are passionate about. Having a mix of both types of goals ensures that there is a clear path of progression, with achievable milestones along the way.

Identifying Supports and Services

Once you have a clear idea of your child’s goals, the next step is to think about what supports and services might help them work towards these goals. This could include therapies, educational supports, assistive technologies, or community programs. The NDIS provides funding for a wide range of supports, so it is important to consider all the options available.

For instance, if your child’s goal is to improve their communication skills, you might look into speech therapy services. If they want to participate in a local sports team, you might consider funding for a support worker to assist them during practice and games. The key is to match the supports to the specific needs and goals of your child.

Involving Your Child and Others

Developing NDIS goals should not be a solitary task. It is important to involve your child in the goal-setting process as much as possible. After all, these are their goals, and their input is invaluable. Depending on your child’s age and abilities, they might be able to express their own aspirations and preferences.

In addition to your child, it is also beneficial to seek input from other important people in their life. This could include family members, teachers, therapists, and other professionals who know your child well. These individuals can provide valuable insights and suggestions, helping to ensure that the goals are realistic and well-rounded.

Practical Steps for Developing NDIS Goals

1. Reflect on Your Child’s Strengths and Interests: Start by considering what your child enjoys and excels at. This can provide a foundation for setting goals that are motivating and meaningful.
2. Identify Areas for Improvement: Think about the areas where your child might need additional support or development. This could be in daily living skills, social interactions, education, or physical health.
3. Set Specific, Measurable Goals: Make sure the goals are clear and specific. Instead of a vague goal like “improve communication,” set a measurable goal such as “attend weekly speech therapy sessions to improve articulation.”
4. Prioritize Goals: It can be overwhelming to try to work on too many goals at once. Prioritize the most important goals and focus on those first.
5. Consider Resources and Supports: Think about what resources and supports are available to help your child achieve their goals. This could include NDIS-funded services, community programs, or support from family and friends.
6. Review and Adjust Goals Regularly: Goals should not be set in stone. Regularly review your child’s progress and adjust the goals as needed. This ensures that they remain relevant and achievable.

Examples of NDIS Goals

To give you a better idea of what NDIS goals might look like, here are some examples:

• Short-Term Goal: “Improve fine motor skills by attending weekly occupational therapy sessions for six months.”
• Long-Term Goal: “Develop the skills needed to live independently by the age of 18.”
• Short-Term Goal: “Increase social interactions by joining a local youth group and attending weekly meetings.”
• Long-Term Goal: “Achieve a high school diploma and pursue further education in a chosen field.”
• Short-Term Goal: “Enhance communication abilities by using assistive technology devices daily.”

Your Child’s NDIS Goals: How to Develop Goals (Continued)

Monitoring Progress and Celebrating Achievements

Once you have set your child’s NDIS goals and identified the necessary supports, it is important to monitor their progress regularly. This helps to ensure that the goals remain relevant and that your child is on track to achieve them. Here are some tips for effectively monitoring progress:

1. Keep a Record: Maintain a journal or digital record of your child’s progress. Note any milestones they achieve, challenges they face, and any changes in their needs or interests.
2. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with your child’s support team, including therapists, teachers, and other professionals. These check-ins can help you assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to the goals or supports.
3. Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating successes can boost your child’s confidence and motivation to continue working towards their goals.
4. Adjust Goals as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust goals if necessary. If a goal is no longer relevant or if your child has achieved it sooner than expected, set new goals to keep them moving forward.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey towards achieving NDIS goals can sometimes be challenging. It is important to be prepared for potential obstacles and to have strategies in place to overcome them. Here are some common challenges and tips for addressing them:

1. Lack of Motivation: If your child is struggling to stay motivated, try to make the goals more engaging and relevant to their interests. Involve them in the goal-setting process and ensure that the goals are meaningful to them.
2. Limited Resources: Sometimes, the resources or supports needed to achieve a goal may be limited. In such cases, explore alternative options or seek additional funding through the NDIS or other sources.
3. Slow Progress: Progress may be slower than expected, which can be frustrating. Be patient and focus on the small steps your child is taking towards their goals. Celebrate incremental progress and adjust the timeline if necessary.
4. Changing Needs: Your child’s needs and interests may change over time. Regularly review and update the goals to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with your child’s current situation.

The Role of the NDIS Planner

An NDIS planner plays a crucial role in helping you develop and achieve your child’s goals. The planner works with you to understand your child’s needs, aspirations, and the supports required to achieve their goals. Here are some ways an NDIS planner can assist:

1. Goal Setting: The planner can help you articulate and refine your child’s goals, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
2. Identifying Supports: The planner can provide information on available supports and services that can help your child work towards their goals. They can also assist in identifying any gaps in support and exploring alternative options.
3. Funding Allocation: The planner helps allocate NDIS funding to the appropriate supports and services, ensuring that your child’s needs are met within the available budget.
4. Review and Adjustment: The planner conducts regular reviews of your child’s NDIS plan to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to the goals or supports.

Tips for Effective Communication with Your NDIS Planner

Effective communication with your NDIS planner is essential for developing and achieving your child’s goals. Here are some tips for building a positive and productive relationship with your planner:

1. Be Prepared: Before meetings with your planner, gather all relevant information about your child’s needs, goals, and progress. This can include reports from therapists, teachers, and other professionals.
2. Be Clear and Specific: Clearly articulate your child’s goals and the supports they need. Provide specific examples and evidence to support your requests.
3. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the NDIS planning process. Your planner is there to help and provide guidance.
4. Stay Engaged: Stay actively involved in the planning process and maintain regular communication with your planner. Provide updates on your child’s progress and any changes in their needs.
5. Advocate for Your Child: Be an advocate for your child’s needs and ensure that their goals and supports are accurately reflected in the NDIS plan.

Conclusion

Setting NDIS goals for your child is a crucial step in ensuring they receive the supports and services they need to thrive. By taking the time to develop thoughtful, well-defined goals, you can help your child work towards their full potential. Remember to involve your child and other important people in their life in the goal-setting process, and regularly review and adjust the goals as needed. With the right goals and supports in place, your child can achieve great things.